Of all the
forces we know, there is none stronger than a paradigm. Robert
Stirniman.

A few words about paradigms

A paradigm is most like a container. It is a
structure that holds, handles and organizes issues and information
in a related, consistent way so that the whole−greater than the sum
of the parts−can be seen, and so that new information can be
positioned in its place. Paradigms are not important−they are
crucial. Paradigms are NOT optional; everyone has
them and uses them whether they realize this or not. A good paradigm
is one that is able to "contain" and organize effectively ALL the
issues and information, so that as more is learned, the picture that
emerges makes more and more sense. A bad paradigm is one that cannot
effectively "make sense" out of some or much of the information.

A paradigm is analogous to a milk jug used for
holding milk. A one gallon jug will not hold 5 gallons of milk, and
if you try to pour all of it in, 4 gallons will just run over the
side and be lost. If you want to receive 5 gallons of milk from the
dairy, you better have 5 gallons of capacity in your container.

A paradigm is analogous to a jigsaw puzzle, within
the borders of which ALL the pieces must fit. The most apt paradigm
analogy is a house. Most of us live in a house that has specialized
rooms for different aspects of living, and storage structure.
Imagine having no drawers, shelves or closets, with everything you
own all in a pile. You could only see the things on the surface. A good house is one that
covers the full range of domestic activities including storage, just as a good
paradigm covers the aspects of the edified life. One major
difference is that even though we live in our house, we can leave it
to go do non-domestic activities, but we live within our paradigm
and can never leave. We can only change it.

Paradigms, Reality, and Sanity

Paradigms help us understand reality, whether that
reality be scientific or theological. What is not rational nor
reasonable is to hang onto a paradigm when it fails in too many
significant ways, i.e., when it presents us with too many enigmas or
anomalies. Neither is it rational nor reasonable, in the face of a
failing paradigm it is hypocritical, to reject a new paradigm
a priori without seeing if it:

firstly, solves major problems and resolves
major issues.

secondly, deals with or handles issues that are
thought to be handled by the old paradigm,

thirdly, deals consistently with more issues
and/or new issues raised.